Refugee crisis: How to help right now

The harrowing refugee crisis has been covered by every media outlet, as thousands face unimaginable journeys and conditions to escape their homelands. The powerful, shocking images have prompted action from international governments, but what can you do to help today?

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Here's how you can show your support and get involved today:

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Donate money

Numerous charities have opened appeals to help offer relief to struggling refugees, including Refugee Council, Unicef, Save The Children and Médecins Sans Frontières. Dawn O'Porter has a crowd funding page where you can donate money for urgent supplies, and she's also launched an Amazon wish-list which the public can order supplies from to be sent directly to the refugee charities.

Donate clothes and food

Calais Action is collecting a number of items for refugees, from clothes and tents to food and cleaning products. Among the most needed items are shoes, tents, travelling bags, socks, jackets and tinned food. To find out where your nearest donation drop is click HERE.

Protest

Ok, so not something you can do today, but take note of the numerous protests you can take part in coming up over the next few weeks. This Saturday at 12pm at Marble Arch, a march will head to Downing Street in Solidarity with the Refugees. If you're time strapped, sign one of the many petitions calling for Europe to show more compassion for the refugees. This one hopes to force the British government into accepting more refugees into Britain.

Use your social media platforms to do good

Share petitions and links to donation services and any other article you think might urge others to help. Update your status and tell your friends you're getting involved and use the #refugeeswelcome hashtag to make a stand. It's not being worthy, it shows compassion.